This is one of those ‘Look at what I made!’ moments that prompted me to start blogging in the first place. I have been sitting on this large crochet square for quite some time now. Not literally sitting, but you know what I mean. Today I finally get to show it to you and I can barely contain myself.
Charlotte {Large Crochet Square}
This square is made in three parts using Scheepjes Aquarel and a 4 mm Clover Amour crochet hook (US G/6 UK 8). Using this hook and yarn, the final square is 44cm (17.3″). If you use worsted weight and a 5.5 mm crochet hook, your square should be 24″ or more (depending on your personal gauge). I have seen some truly GIANT ones!!
Materials
- 4 mm Clover Amour crochet hook (US 6/G UK 8)
- Scheepjes Softfun Aquarel (60% cotton/40% acrylic), 50g/140m/153yds
- Colour A – Cloudscape (804) – 162m
- Colour B – Riverscape (802) – 62m
- Colour C – Cityscape (806) – 112m
Gauge
Your motif should measure:
- At the end of Round 13: 16.5cm (6.5″)
- At the end of Round 18: 22.5cm (8.8″)
- At the end of Round 36:44cm (17.3″)
Instructions
You can find the instructions for the Large Charlotte Square here:
- Part 1 – Central Square
- Part 2 – Triangles
- Part 3 – Border
- Video Tutorials by Esther Dijkstra from It’s All in a Nutshell
Translations
Written Only
These written-only translations have been done by the wonderful group of translators in the CAL – Crochet A Long Facebook group.
Step-by-step Translations
You can find additional step-by-step translations for the following languages at the start of each Part.
- Dutch
- French
- German
- Hebrew
- Korean
- Spanish
- Swedish
You can add this pattern to your Ravelry Queue HERE and you can find more information about the square below.
If you enjoyed making this square and would like to continue growing it, please have a look at Charlotte’s Sunshine Baby and Charlotte’s Universe.
How This Square Came About
(Also know as: The Blogpost I Wrote Before I Published the Pattern)
Some of you will have seen the Mandala Rug I made using my friend John’s Blooming Mandala pattern. I just love that rug so much! It lives on the back of our couch and I often look at it while I crochet. Every time I look at it, I can see it growing bigger and bigger in all sorts of dimensions and shapes. When I received a few skeins of the new Scheepjes Aquarel to try out (top secret at the time), all I could think of was John’s mandala.
So I messaged John and asked him if I could use a smaller version of his central flower in my new square. John kindly agreed and so I am once again embarking on a project that started its life as a seed from someone else’ tree. But you know what? I love the fact that Sophie started life as the central flower of Chris Simon’s Lace Petals Square and I love the fact that this, my new baby, started its life as a much-loved design by a dear friend.
I created a small square first (equivalent to 12″ if using worsted weight yarn and a 5.5 mm hook). It is a marriage of dense stitches and lacy bits. Mr. Lookatwhatimade was not at all sure that what I was doing would work (and nor was I, truth be told), but he grudgingly conceded that he liked the square once it was completed. It really rattles me when he doesn’t like a design half-way. I keep forgetting that he can’t see my thoughts and therefore doesn’t ‘see’ what I see.
I then added 4 triangles and a border to create a large crochet square equal to 4 of the ‘small’ squares. Before the border went on, Mr. Lookatwhatimade once again found it necessary to tell me that it wasn’t working, but as soon as the border was added, he liked it again. So fickle!
Using Scheepjes Softfun Aquarel and a 4 mm crochet hook (US G/6 UK 8), the final square worked up to a size of 17″ (42 cm). Aquarel has just been ‘launched’, so it should be available to buy by the time I start posting the pattern in a week or two.
I have to tell you that I love the yarn! It has a stonewashed, ombre, hand-dyed vibe, all rolled into one. It feels modern and ancient at the same time; substantial and light as air. It really messes with my head!
The square itself also feels ‘old’. Not vintage or historical or classic… It feels as if each stitch aged a hundred years the moment it slipped off my hook. I don’t know how to explain it.
Aquarel is available in 11 gorgeous colours. I am using Cloudescape (804), Cityscape (806) and Riverscape (802).
Update: Aquarel is now available from Wool Warehouse. You can find a list of other Scheepjes retailers HERE.
The pattern for this square will be released in a couple of weeks. In the meantime I am contemplating names (I have a favourite already, but there are complications) and imagining growth (so many options).
Update: It has a name now, although not the name I had originally wanted to use. I really really REALLY wanted to call this square ‘Anna Begins’, but after contacting Counting Crows to no avail, I settled on my second choice: Charlotte! I think it was a better choice anyway :)
This square was designed for 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day.
This blog post contains affiliate links. I only link to products I personally use or would use. All opinions are my own.
Freda says
Hi Charlotte,
I used your patterns to make up a square. I decided I could continue it by adjusting the numbers of stitches and used it as a centerpiece to make a coverlet for our queen bed. I love how it came out . I did add some rounds of just tribble crochet to extend the size.
Dedri Uys says
I’m pleased that you like how your experimentation turned out. It’s wonderful when we can take something and make it uniquely ours.
Marie says
I love the charlotte sunshine baby blanket and would love to make it, but I am going crazy trying to find the pattern. All i can find is the middle square. Can you please help.
Dedri Uys says
Charlotte’s sunshine Baby is created by making the large Charlotte square and then growing it with elements from the Sunshine Owl CAL. We are working on writing instructions for it, but at the moment it is a mish-mash of two patterns by two different designers. I hope that helps.
Charlotte Kidwell says
Hello Dedri:
I saw the name of this square and had to look at it…. My name is Charlotte, too!
As soon as I saw it I fell in love with it! It’s so very, very beautiful; simply exquisite. I would love to crochet it! I am going to look at the video tutorials that I saw mentioned in the pattern and see about following along with one. I haven’t read your written patten yet and I may be able to crochet it from just a written patten. However, it is so full of beautiful detail that I thought I might achieve a better finished square by following along with a tutorial.
I just want to thank you for posting this gorgeous square…. It really has an antique feel and reminds me of crochet from the Victorian era. You share the most beautiful patterns!
Dedri Uys says
Hi Charlotte. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. This design is very close to my heart and I hope to finish growing her very soon. I would love to see your project if you do decide to make her.
Dedri
Patricia Culver says
This is such a beautiful pattern The only problem is that I originally found the pattern but it was a blanket. No matter how much I tried I could not get that pattern Everywhere I went I was directed to Pinterest. Seems there is no where I can get that free pattern. Can you help me please. I will print out the large square. So thank you so much I am 75 years old and not that computer smart but still love crocheting blankets for charity and this is so different..
Dedri Uys says
Hi Patricia. I do have a blanket made from Charlotte Squares. It is called Charlotte’s Dream and you can find it HERE. I suspect, however, that you are not referring to that one but rather to one where someone has continued to grow the original square themselves. You can have a look at Charlotte’s Sunshine Baby on Ravelry to see if that is the one you meant…
Dedri
Robin says
Dedri, I just discovered this. I can’t stop looking at it. It fills me up–like a gift from another time, a mystery that emerges from the fog and the sea. I’ve seldom seen anything so exquisite. I hope the yarn is not terribly expensive, but this pattern is destined to live on in many an heirloom. So often a design is mismatched with the type of yarn, but you have perfectly combined the design with the weight, texture, and color of yarn to create something artistically remarkable. You said each stitch aged a hundred years as it slipped off the hook. There really is something magical about Charlotte. Thank you!
Dedri Uys says
Oh Robin! Thank you for your lovely comment. I really did feel that way about the combination of pattern and yarn… and surprisingly so, since I didn’t think I would much like the yarn when I saw it in the ball. But what a surprise when I started working with it!!!
The experience has taught me to ALWAYS look at finished items using a specific yarn before making a judgement call based purely on the ‘ball’ or skein.
I absolutely LOVE how yarn can surprise me every time!
Dedri
Debby Greenlaw says
This is beautiful! Thank you!
Jeanne says
Dear Dedri,
I saw a square on Facebook and the link led me here. However, the one on Facebook was different than this one. It has a flower that looks like it has a backing in the center, little knoblike protrusions on the square, and looked very old fashion. It is obviously your square too, and I would sure love to have the pattern to that Antique looking square. Just love it, and hope you’re willing to share it with me. Thanks in advance.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Jeanne. Are you talking about this one HERE?
Nina Smith says
Hi
Please could you tell me if the quantities include enough yarn to crochet the border?
Dedri Uys says
Hi Nina. The quantities listed in Part 1 are enough to make 1 large charlotte square, border and all. If you are wanting to make Charlotte’s Dream (which is a blanket made out of 12 Charlotte squares), then the yardages are significantly different.
Kimberley Sue Kleinbohl says
This pattern has saved my sanity. I was deemed disabled and wanted to “do” something! I found this pattern and began crocheting. It was amazing how easy it was to follow and the beauty?!!! Thank you for sharing your awesome vision with us. I wish I could post a picture
Dedri Uys says
Hi Kimberley. I am so pleased to hear that I have been able to help you in some small measure. Please do share a photo with me at dedri(at)lookatwhatimade.net.
June says
Hi Deirdre
I’m making a throw using Charlotte (x4). Absolutely love the pattern. It looks amazing finished. I’m onto my third square now. Getting very excited to see it finished. Patience patience
Your blog is fabulous – so much helpful information. Thank you ! I will be back regularly. Great resources presented with so much thoughtfulness.
Wishing you well in your endeavors.
With thanks again
June
Dedri Uys says
Hi June. Thank you so much. Can I just say that I love your name? I’m a June baby and the name has always appealed to me. I hope you share a photo of your Charlotte x 4 :) I’d love to see it x
Nanette Neider says
In Pinterest I see two different Charlotte squares. One has a less lacy part 3. but the instructions are only for the lacy part 3. Is there a way that I could get the part 3 pattern that looks more like scollops then squared out with a combination of sc, hdc but mostly sc About 6 rounds.
Nanette (another June Baby)
Dedri Uys says
Hi Nanette. I only have one version of the pattern, but lots of people have made their own versions by changing some stitches. I suspect that the one you want is one of those? Have you got a photo?
Anne Mazzella says
Bonjour Dedri ! Encore un modèle magnifique ! Je suis en train de crocheter le modèle de “Sophie Universe”, avec lequel je débute en crochet ! Et je vais surement me faire un plaid avec ces “carrés” si tendre et si beaux… J’adore tout ce que vous faites !
Pour faire un plaid d’environ 1m60 sur 1m60 combien de pelotes dois-je acheter ? D’avance merci
I try in english… what beautifull work, i love so much what you are doing ! I’m working on Sophie universe and it’s my first work at crochet ^^ i would try to crochet a plaid with your square but how many ball of wool i have to buy for a plaid of 1m60x1m60 (62 in)
i hope you understand my question, thank you for your answer
Anne
Dedri Uys says
Hi Anne. Thank you :) Have a look at the pattern for Charlotte’s Dream. It’s a blanket made out of Charlotte Squares and has a lot of yarn details. You can find the pattern HERE.
Idske Steegstra says
Hello Dedri,
I came across this pattern on Facebook, I can’t really remember which page but I think it was the international Scheepjes one. I was in love the minute I saw it and will be making a blanket for my grandfather who is not well lately so he has something warm and beautifull to cuddle up in.
Kind regards from Holland,
Idske
Dedri Uys says
Best of luck with your grandpa’s health, Idske. I hope you enjoy making Charlotte for him x
Robin Riley says
Hi Dedri,
I’ve gotten back into crocheting after many decades (mom taught me when I was a child). I can honestly say I’ve had no desire to do anything “granny square”… until now! This is absolutely beautiful – thank you so much for sharing! I will definitely be making this as soon as I finish my current project..
Best to you,
Robin
Dedri Uys says
Hi Robin. I’m so glad that you like it! I hope you like the making of it as much as the look of it :)
Wanda Parker says
Hi Dedri. I love the Charlorre square. I am currently working on my first square. I’m using the Aquaral yarn and love love it. What I would like to know is are there pictures of what others have used their squares to make. Thank you for this pattern. I love it
Wanda Parker
Dedri Uys says
Hi Wanda. Thank you :) I don’t have a collection of completed project photos, but you might try searching for charlotte square on the various social media sites…
Dedri
Myriam says
Hello Dedri
Very beautiful square. I’m going to try it.
Thanks for all your work and sharing it. I’ve already made Sophie’s Universe and it was a great pleasure.
Sorry for my English.
Kisses from France
Fran D says
I’m plugging away at these squares – not because they are boring, but I struggle to find the time between binge watching Castle and reading various books. I’m on the second square of a planned 9, going at a fine clip now, and I expect I will speed up each new square. I decided to try not binding off each different colour/row in the inner square – I do hate working the ends in – and have found that it is pretty easy to adapt.
Thanks for a great pattern with clear and helpful instructions.
Dedri Uys says
Oh good going. I have always wanted to watch Castle, I just haven’t gotten around to it. I did think about putting the instructions for no-bind-off in the pattern but decided against it. I am pleased that you managed to sort it yourself.
D
Maryann Ihrig says
Thank you for the lovely patterns. I used the center of Sophie’s Garden for a rectangular afghan and am now tackling Charlotte’s Square. I marvel at your ability to design these intricate and unique pieces.
Re Charlotte’s Square are there any additional hints for Row 9? I noticed that several people had problems with it and I am still struggling.
Dedri Uys says
Hi Maryann. At the end of Round 7, each petal will have 4 stitches: fpdc2tog, 2 fpdc, fpdc2tog. In Round 9, you will make a fpdc2tog around the first fpdc2tog from Round 7 and the next fpdc. Then you will make a fpdc2tog around the next fpdc and the last fpdc2tog, giving you 2 fpdc2tog’s per Petal.
Jacqueline Chesser says
love your patterns working on Sophie’s Unv. love the colors thank u so much for sharing the patterns cannot wait to finish will post.
Dedri Uys says
Thank you, Jacqueline
Veronica Farinha says
Hello, I so much want to start making the Charlotte afghan squares, but I have a question for you. I want to use three colours. Can you let me know how many balls of each I will need to make it? Baie dankie mevrou! I was born in Cape Town, but don’t speak Afrikaans. I just remember words here and there now. I don’t have a website yet.
Veronica
Dedri Uys says
Hi Veronica,
The pattern was written for using 3 colours, so if you use the yardages I used as a guide, you’ll have a rough idea of how much yarn to buy.
June Bodenstein says
Hi Derdri, Ek Hoop jy kan nog Afrikaans lees. Baie baie dankie vir die pragtige maklik verstaanbare patrone wat julle skep. Vir die 50 jaar wat ek al hekel geniet ek dit elke dag meer en meer. June Bodenstein Suid Afrika
Dedri Uys says
Hi June. Ek is nog 100% Afrikaans. So lekker om van jou te hoor!
Dianne says
A crochet buddy told me to look up this square. I told her to look up sophie’s universe. Neither of us realized these were by the same person! Ha! I have a question you might be able to help me with. I am wanting to make a ‘granny cocoon shrug” without the granny. The square would need to be 40″ and not too bulky. I think Charlotte would be perfect but do you think the last part could be repeated to get that size?
Dedri Uys says
Haha! How touching that you both recommended my patterns to each other. You can keep repeating Rounds 32 – 35 to get it to size, you will just have to adjust the instructions so that the banksia flowers fall over the 5 dc’s in the previous round. The flowers are created in repeats of 10. 5 stitches for the flower and dc’s. These are alternated every 2 rounds so that the next set of flowers will fall over the solid part of the previous repeat. I hope that makes sense.